Passengers stranded for hours after landslide halts train services in Attock's Jand area

ATTOCK: Train services on the Attock–Mari Indus–Multan railway section were temporarily suspended on Friday after heavy rainfall triggered a landslide between Jhamat and Chhab railway stations in Attock’s Jand tehsil in Punjab, blocking the track and leaving passengers stranded.

According to an official of the track maintenance department, mud and debris fell onto the track following the downpour, prompting authorities to suspend train services as a precautionary measure. One train was reportedly stranded near Tunnel No. 129, while the 202-Up passenger train was halted at Jhamat Railway Station.

The disruption caused inconvenience to hundreds of passengers, particularly women, children and elderly travellers.

Emergency maintenance teams work on clearing debris from the railway track in Attock’s Jand tehsil on June 19. — photo via author

Several passengers complained about the lack of basic facilities during the unexpected delay. Female passengers aboard the affected train said they faced difficulties due to a shortage of drinking water and uncertainty over when services would resume.

“We understand that safety comes first, but passengers should be provided with drinking water and timely updates during emergencies,” a female passenger, Zahura Batool, told Dawn’s correspondent.

Another traveller, Bisma Khattak, said that families with children were particularly affected by the delay.

“Many people had not prepared for a long stop. There should be arrangements for water and refreshments when trains are stranded,” she said.

A third passenger, Sanaullah Niazi, urged railway authorities to improve emergency response mechanisms for travelers.

“Passengers are anxious because they do not know how long the delay will last. Regular announcements would help reduce concerns,” he added.

Railway officials confirmed that emergency maintenance teams were immediately dispatched to the site to clear the debris and restore train operations.

“The track was blocked due to rain-induced landsliding. Our technical staff has worked continuously for hours to remove the debris and ensure the safety of train operations before allowing traffic to resume,” a railway official said.

Officials confirmed that the track was cleared on Friday evening after a final safety inspection. No casualties or injuries were reported.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by railway operations during the monsoon season, particularly in hilly and mountainous areas where heavy rains can trigger landslides and disrupt transport links.

In April, a train was forced to a halt and passengers left stranded after a landslide blocked the railway track between Jhalar and Salmanabad stations in the Kala Chitta mountain range, about 25 kilometers from Attock.

According to railway officials, heavy rainfall and severe weather triggered a landslide in the mountainous terrain, sending large boulders crashing onto the railway track. ...